‘Condolences To A Beloved Sister:’ Mohanlal Pays Tribute To Late Actress Kanakalatha

Mohanlal shared a heartwarming facebook post for Kanakalatha.

Veteran actor Mohanlal paid tribute to actress Kanakalatha, who passed away on May 6. Mohanlal shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, reminiscing about his collaborations with the late actress in several movies. “Our beloved Kanakalatha was once an active figure in Malayalam cinema. She has played various roles in more than 280 Malayalam and Tamil films. Our paths crossed in numerous movies, including the notable film Kireedam. My heartfelt condolences to a beloved sister who has departed from this world,” Mohanlal wrote. Mohanlal also shared a photo of Kanakalatha along with the write-up.

Kanakalatha is well-known in the film industry, having played numerous roles in both small and big films. She was facing serious health challenges, making her unable to eat without help and facing memory loss, including forgetting her own name. Symptoms of Parkinson’s and dementia began appearing in 2021.

Kanakalatha had a successful career that lasted 30 years, starting from theatre and extending to TV serials and over 350 films in different languages. Born on August 24, 1960, in Ochira, Kollam district, to Parameswaran Pillai and Chinnamma, she attended Girls’ High School in Kollam. Kanakalatha’s first film was Unarth Patt in 1980, but it was never released. She gained recognition in the Malayalam film industry with the 1982 film Chill.

The 63-year-old actress passed away at her residence in Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, after battling a prolonged illness. Kanakalatha dedicated over four decades to the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, appearing in more than 360 films and earning immense love, fame, and respect. She withdrew from the spotlight as she struggled with illnesses. Her sister, Vijayamma, disclosed her illness last year, revealing that symptoms began in 2021. In August 2022, her doctor confirmed dementia through an MRI scan.

Kanakalatha was known for her roles in several acclaimed films including Kannezhuthi Pottumthottu, Varnapakittu, Spadikam, Kireedam, Rajavinte Makan, and Chillu, among others. She made her debut in 1980 with Unarthupaattu and received praise for her performances in Anyar, Vakkalathu Narayanankutty, Chirikkudukka, and Agrahaaram.

During her career, she worked with famous actors like Jagathy Sreekumar. Her last time on screen was in the movie Pookkaalam in 2023. Ganesh Raj directed the film.